From Princess Diana to Diana Ross, These Are the 15 Most Iconic Bridal Looks of All Time
As wedding season kicks off, my calendar remains disappointingly void of invitations. I find myself in that in-between phase—half my friends are still single, while the others are only just tiptoeing into the realm of long-term commitment. A few proposals have been floated, but the flurry of save-the-dates has yet to arrive. Still, as a romance-loving fashion writer with an insatiable eye for bridal style, I refuse to let wedding season pass me by.
If I can’t admire aisle-bound ensembles in real time, I’ll do the next best thing: revisit some of the most iconic bridal looks in history. From Old Hollywood elegance to modern-day minimalism, these unforgettable gowns have shaped bridal fashion for generations. Whether you’re a bride-to-be seeking inspiration or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of a beautifully crafted dress, join me in taking a look back at some of the most magical wedding looks to ever grace the aisle.
Discover the Most Iconic Bridal Looks of all Time
1. Kate Moss
Style Notes: Kate Moss’s fashion legacy—though long and undeniably iconic—can, in my book, be distilled into a handful of defining moments: her unforgettable turns on the Mugler, McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood runways; the launch of her buzzy Topshop collaboration in 2007; and, of course, her 2011 wedding to Jamie Hince.
For her walk down the aisle, Moss chose a custom John Galliano gown—an ethereal, embroidered ivory dress with an opaque bodice that softened into a sheer, whisper-light tail. Designed fresh off the back of Galliano’s tenure at Dior, the gown embodied a blend of vintage romance and contemporary ease. Its 1930s-inspired draping and subtle decadence captured both the undone elegance of Moss’s personal style and a modern vision of bridalwear.
Kiki De Montparnasse
Ange Paneled Embellished Leavers Lace and Satin Gown
Reformation
Pernille Silk Dress
Rodarte
Embellished Velvet-Trimmed Silk-Crepe Maxi Dress
2. Bianca Jagger
Style Notes: Bianca Jagger’s ivory suit was one of the first bridal looks that ignited my fascination with wedding fashion. Sleek, striking and ahead of its time, her Yves Saint Laurent ensemble retold what it meant to be a bride. The tailored blazer, sharp and structured, was offset by a fluid column skirt, creating a silhouette that felt at once powerful and poetic.
For her Saint-Tropez ceremony, Jagger completed the look with YSL’s now-iconic Le Smoking jacket, an ivory skirt, and a wide-brimmed hat delicately veiled in tulle. Open-toe sandals gave the look a final flourish of insouciant glamour, helping her set the tone for decades of boundary-pushing bridal style to come.
Halfpenny London
Double-Breasted Satin-Mikado Mini Dress
Self-Portrait
Belted Embellished Maxi Dress
3. Princess Diana
Style Notes: When Lady Diana Spencer stepped out in her ivory silk taffeta and antique lace gown in 1981, she didn’t just marry into royalty—she made bridal history. Designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the dress was a theatrical vision of regal romance: all sweeping volume, intricate lace, and statement puff sleeves that added a touch of playful grandeur. The antique lace trim delicately framed her face, while the billowing skirt and 25-foot train added drama in spades.
